Academy threat to failing schools

Amanda Spielman: academy advocate could take over as schools inspector

As many as 1,000 primary schools are expected to be turned into academies after failing to ensure that sufficient 11-year-olds pass the new tougher national tests in maths and English.

Some head teachers have hired stress counsellors to tackle anxiety among pupils ahead of this week’s tests. A third of children are expected not to pass. The counsellors, who charge up to £500 a day, are also offering support to stressed teachers.

The government has refused to stop the tests despite protests by some parents, including last week’s “kids’ strike” that saw many six and seven-year-olds kept off school.

Nicky Morgan, the educa­tion secretary, insisted this weekend that she is still determined “to see all schools become academies” despite a U-turn on Friday over plans…